1 B2 idiomatic informal
To travel briefly through a place or several places, typically as part of a larger trip or tour.
"The senator plans to swing through three states in the next two days ahead of the election."
inseparable
swing through
B2 informal inseparable transitive
To travel casually through a place or series of places, usually briefly and as part of a larger journey.
In plain English
To quickly visit or pass through a place or several places, usually without staying long.
What does "swing through" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To move through something in a physical, swinging arc.
"The arm of the crane swung through a full one-eighty before depositing its load."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To swing (move in an arc) through — passing through a space like a pendulum moving from one side to the other.
Actually means
To quickly visit or pass through a place or several places, usually without staying long.
Usage tip
Common in American English, often used for political tours, promotional trips, or informal travel itineraries. Very similar to 'swing by' but used for passing through a region rather than a single location.
Words that pair with "swing through"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
town city region states tour area
How to conjugate "swing through"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
swing through
I/you/we/they
3rd person
swings through
he/she/it
Past simple
swinged through
yesterday
Past participle
swinged through
have + pp
-ing form
swinging through
continuous
Hear "swing through" in the wild
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